Day in the Life: Athlete at Western Washington University

1 day ago
4 min read

Lyndon Bailey

Year in School: Senior (Class of 2026)

Major: Business Administration with a Concentration in Management & Marketing

Years Playing Rugby: 12 years

Position in Rugby: Lock

Achievements:

2025 D1AA National Collegiate Rugby Championship 7s
NCRC XVs All-Conference Team 2025
D1AA All-American 2025
WWU Rugby Best Forward 2025
WWU Club Sport Athlete of the Year Nominee 2025
NCRC Academic All-Conference 2023/2024
2024 USA National U18 Member Tour to South America
2025 USA National U19 Member RAN Tournament Champions (Mexico)
2025/26 USA National U20 Member

Why did you choose your school?

I chose Western Washington University because it felt like the perfect mix of ambition and adventure. You’ve got the mountains, the water, and a campus culture that pushes you to think big. Western’s College of Business and Economics gives you real-world experience from day one — we’re not just memorizing concepts, we’re building projects, pitching ideas, and solving real problems.

And rugby? That sealed the deal. Western has one of the most competitive club rugby programs on the West Coast. The culture here is gritty, blue-collar, and hungry. We don’t just show up — we show out. Being part of a program that’s constantly chasing conference titles and national recognition made the decision easy.

What was your recruitment process like?

Since Western Rugby is a club program, the team can’t directly influence admissions. But once I connected with the coaches and players, they were incredibly welcoming. They talked me through what the program expects — commitment, accountability, and energy.

I explored a few other schools, but Western stood out because it offered strong academics and a rugby environment where I could compete at a high level while stepping into leadership roles early. It felt like a place where I could make an impact, not just blend in.

What are your favorite parts about being a member of the rugby program?

The brotherhood. No question.

This team is built on trust and intensity. We push each other hard at training, but off the field, we’ve got each other’s backs 100%. Whether it’s late-night study sessions, road trips across the Northwest, or playoff matches in the rain — those shared experiences build something special.

We also take pride in being student-athletes. GPA matters. Accountability matters. The standard isn’t just winning games — it’s becoming disciplined leaders.

What are your favorite parts about being a student at your school?

Western has this incredible balance of academics and lifestyle. You can grind in the classroom and then decompress with a hike or sunset by the bay the same day.

Professors here are super approachable and genuinely invested in your success. Many of them have industry experience, so the learning feels practical and applicable. I’ve worked on consulting-style projects, presented business strategies, and collaborated in team-based simulations that mimic real-world scenarios. It’s hands-on, competitive, and creative — exactly how I like it.

How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?

It comes down to structure and discipline. Classes are scheduled clearly at the beginning of the quarter, and our training schedule is locked in early. That makes planning manageable. I treat rugby like a job and academics like a responsibility I’m proud of — both deserve 100% effort.

There are definitely heavy weeks — midterms plus a big match? That’s the grind. But learning to operate under pressure is part of the growth. You adapt. You prioritize. You execute.

Photo J. Dalton Photography for Goff Rugby Report

What does a typical day look like?

Most days start around 7:00 AM. I’ll hit the gym for strength training, grab breakfast, and head to class mid-morning. Depending on the day, I’ll have lectures or group meetings until early afternoon. Afternoons are for training. We’re on the pitch, grinding from 5-8 pm: skills, conditioning, team reps, film breakdown. After dinner, it’s either homework, meetings for business clubs, or relaxing with teammates.

Weekends in season? Game time. Travel, compete, recover, repeat. It’s busy. It’s demanding. And honestly — I love it.

What’s the biggest challenge about playing rugby at your school?

Time management is the biggest challenge. Western pushes you academically, and rugby pushes you physically. There’s no shortcut — you have to earn it in both areas. Some weeks feel relentless. But those are also the weeks where you grow the most. When you learn to lock in during class after a tough training session, or perform under pressure in a close match — that’s where resilience gets built.

New Student Center under construction- set to open Fall 2027

Besides rugby, what else are you involved in on campus?

I’m involved in the Business Leadership Program and the Entrepreneurship Club, where we work on startup concepts and pitch competitions. I also participate in networking events through the College of Business and Economics to connect with alumni and local business leaders.

Community service is important to me too — our rugby team regularly volunteers locally, which keeps us grounded and connected to Bellingham.

Anything you'd like to share with a high school player interested in Western?

If you want a place where you can compete hard, grow as a leader, and earn a respected degree — Western is the spot. You’ll be challenged. You’ll be pushed. You’ll build lifelong friendships and memories that go way beyond the scoreboard.

And if you’re willing to put in the work? This program will open doors.

Let’s get after it. 💪

School Website: https://www.wwu.edu/

CRAA D1-AA Men's Team Website: https://www.wwurugby.org/ (2026 CRAA D1-AA National Champs)

Director of Rugby Paul Horne: pshorne@comcast.net Head Coach Adam Roberts: Rober331@wwu.edu